Day 58 and Counting

Day 58 since NTP of our new home.

Issue number two arose on day 56 when they completed forming the basement walls and placed the concrete. Hmmm, north side of the house has two basement window for the two offices. Ops says the contractor has he informed us that our Architect knows best and decide to eliminate the office window since we added the window in the future media room.

Why am I paying for an extra window then?
A few more phone calls and the matter is resolved. First, Contractor will saw cut a window in and install a retrofit window. We will not notice any difference in the window.

Second, contractor, my wife, and I will sit down before starting the frame and review the plans. What else has the Architect determined to be in our best interest. I informed the contractor that it was best to keep "the public" informed, surprise just don't go over very well. Oh by the way the Architect also moved our cold storage entrance, hmm, maybe this one is okay.

Happy Birthday Papa

They say that one of the signs of old age is losing one's memory, you know becoming senile. Hmmm, yesterday was my birthday and I can't even remember if Im 48 or 49. Is this an early sign???

My family finally informed me that I was 48, however, that didn't help neither since I feel as if I'm 49 plus. I like to think that I'm still the handsome 21 year old stud that I "use to be"; however, it is obvious that I'm no longer lean but more "rounded" and less agile.

I had a good birthday despite my age. Last weekend we celebrated as a family all together. I received a wonderful IPOD adaptor for my car which I have thoroughly enjoyed all week along with the wonderful Dutch Oven dinner that Taylor cooked for us.

Taylor, gave me a wonderful four wheel package deal. All I have to do is pick a date and he does the rest. Hmm, where should we go and ride to our hearts delight or at least until the old man tuckers out?

Yesterday, I received a phone call and "papa" was asked to come by Adyson's home to receive a large plate of cupcakes. Mmmm, my favorite yellow cake mix with chocolate. Of course we ate several together right then.

Cheryl surprised me with a wonderful steak dinner at Ruth's Chris. Finally, some time to just be alone and relax. Our life's are too hectic. Yes, we forgot all about what the doctor order and the diet and said yes to dessert.

Finally, I arrived home to have a wonderful phone message and e-card awaiting me from John, Rachel and Gabe. It was almost as real as having the Mormon Tabernacle Choir there to sing Happy Birthday to me. What a treat!

This year my birthday has really made me ponder about my age and my inability to do the things that I use too. However, the best thing about my birthday is my wonderful family! Thanks for making my birthday great!!

Cadet John

Today's tale is a rhyming blog,
Telling why Cadet John had to go to the Grog.
While dining at The Mess on the 14th of April,
We were joined by cadets, all handsome devils.
A Grog you see is an Air Force tradition,
A potpourri of drink, a nasty creation.

In past days this Grog would often contain,
putrid contents meant to drive you insane.
Tabasco sauce and live fish,
Whatever a mean cadet could wish.
But this Grog was tamer,
one might even call it "lamer".
For this year's was ice cream in a dish.

One can be sent to the Grog for various offences,
Sometimes if only for bad defences.
All fun must be expressed in rhyme.
And if it's not great, you'll go to the Grog this time.
So, mind your p's and q's. For one mistake might seal your fate,
and send you to the Grog.

Congratulations to our John, the Cadet
For he will soon be a Second Lietuentant
Before his commissioning his courage he must prove,
By downing the Grog with five others he did move.
With determination they stepped forward to partake
Making sure there were no curious mistakes.

"To the Mess," they shouted, holding cups in hand
Downing the Grog, united they stand
Drinking, then tipping, hoping no drops would land
Glad to be part of this Merry Band.

A great time was had by all
As we dined at our Military "Ball."
We were ever so proud of the Cadet for those hours
With strength and courage he will defend all that is ours
To have an Officer part of our family
Is something that makes us as proud as can be.

More than just dirt

We actually saw more than a hole in the ground today on the progress of our new home. Contractor placed the footings. Soon the walls of the basement shall appear, utility piping below slab is next and then the basement floor.

It always feels good to see a construction project move over the learning curve hurdle and start to flow.

If Momma isn't Happy Nobody is Happy

One sleepless night, one e-mail later, and a few phones calls got our dream back on track. Our realtor called this morning after recieving my e-mail which documented the fact that we had communicated our desire to the orientation of our home and which also clearly and boldy communicated that the excavation was not acceptable.

Shortly after 8:00 am I had a phone conversation with our builder. He asked how important it was to have our garage located on the right side of our home. I informed him that my wife was ready to walk away from the project.

One more phone call from our builder who informed me that he understood that if "Momma isn't happy, nobody is happy" Therefore, he would re-exacvate and extend the garage footings down and accomodate the layout to our desires.

So we are back on track with only a few hours of loss production. A excavated hole with a new layout. Anticipate placing foundation on Monday. I do have to say our builder was great in accomodating our desires.

The Fun Begins

NEW HOME
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:
Eight days behind schedule from our original start date of April 2, we began actual work on the home today. Contractor called yesterday and notified us that the permits were in place and they would dig today.

We are excited to actually have the work begin; but know that we have a long difficult road ahead. Construction as I have come to learn is nothing more than about people solving problems and challenges.

The first challenge has already surfaced as we inspected our newly dug hole in the ground and duly noted that the orientation of the home is flipped flopped. Hopefully, we can resolve the problem by filling in the hole and compacting and redigging with the proper ortientation. However, we will have to discuss the orientation with the builder and determine who, what and why it was dug differently than we had desired.

Living our dream could be challenging!

Our Best Friend, Beau Ranger

Several of us got together this weekend and watched the movie "Eight Below". This is an amazing story of sled dogs who were abandoned and left to survive on their own for close to six months in the Antarctic. During the movie, I came to realize and appreciate even more our best friend and family member Beau Ranger.

Beau is our full bred Siberian Husky who we raised along with our children. Beau passed away this past May at twelve year old. We miss him. We all have fond memories of him pulling our daughter's hair scrunchies out of thier hair, pulling our son on roller blades around the neighborhood, howling at the full moon, curling up in a ball on the couch, and resting his muzzle on the dinner table waiting for his protion of dinner.

THE LINK BELOW IS IN HONOR OF OUR BEST FRIEND BEAU RANGER.
PLEASE BEWARE OF PROMOTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL VIDEOS FOLLOWING.

Who Let The Dogs Out? -

Papa & Grammy's Treasures

Adyson and Gabe keep Papa and Grammy young. We love having them come to the house or visit them to play games together.


Grammy knows how to keep life fun and exciting. She also knows how to spoil her grandchildren.



Nobody knows how to go on a "Bear Hunt" better than Papa. Papa even taught us a special sign to remind us of each other.

The Redneck Clan

Last October our Redneck Family got together and improved our shooting skills. We all look forward to opportunities to spend time together. Cheryl and I are blessed with 3 wonderful children, two son-in-laws and now 2 grandchildren. Meet our clan, but a word of caution don't mess with us!!